Our History

Since 1941 Emmanuel Church has faithfully proclaimed and demonstrated the gospel of Jesus Christ -from our Burbank community to the ends-of-the-earth. 

 

Emmanuel Church was born from the vision of Emmanuel and Elizabeth Peterson who arrived in Burbank from Illinois in the 1930’s with other Christians from Scandinavian countries. Pa and Ma Peterson formed a Wednesday night prayer meeting in their home that eventually grew to become the “Home Missions Group of Burbank” with about 50 attendees.

 

The closest church to attend was in Pasadena, CA, which was a long, hard drive before the days of freeways. They knew they needed to start a church in Burbank, so Pa Peterson bought an old church building.  The church was originally called the American-Scandinavian Church but eventually was renamed The Emmanuel Church of Burbank.  The first service was held on June 8, 1941. 

 

In the early 1950’s, Emmanuel Church became a part of the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA). The relationship with the EFCA has been mutually supportive for decades and continues today.

 

Emmanuel Church continues to be a multigenerational church of people of all ages and stages of life. The church has a long legacy of strong Bible teaching, meaningful worship, and a commitment to discipleship from the youngest to most senior members. In addition, Emmanuel has a long history of supporting World Missions all around the world.  Through our many decades, the Lord has provided strong, godly, Bible teaching pastors and faithful elders, deacons, and leaders.